Canada, Bahamas impose Ebola-related travel bans

Canada, Bahamas impose Ebola-related travel bans
An ambulance drives past an advocacy poster against the spread of the Ebola virus in Kampala, Uganda,26 May, 2026. Reuters
Reuters

Canada and the Bahamas announced on Tuesday that they will temporarily restrict entry for residents of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and South Sudan following an Ebola outbreak in the region.

Canadian authorities said the 90-day measure will come into force on Wednesday and is intended to reduce the risk of Ebola entering and spreading within the country.

The Bahamas said its restrictions would take effect immediately and remain in place for 30 days, pending a review by the country’s health ministry.

WHO raises Ebola risk level

The World Health Organisation on Friday elevated the risk of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola developing into a nationwide outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to “very high”. The organisation also declared the outbreaks in the DRC and Uganda a public health emergency of international concern.

Last week, the United States introduced similar measures, barring non-citizens who had recently travelled to the DRC, Uganda or South Sudan from entering the country.

Quarantine and screening measures introduced

Canada’s public health agency said Canadian citizens, permanent residents and certain foreign nationals who have recently been in affected areas but show no symptoms will be required to quarantine for 21 days from May 30.

The Bahamas also announced enhanced health screening procedures and possible quarantine requirements for foreign nationals who had been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda or South Sudan within 30 days prior to arriving in the Caribbean nation.

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